Geelong vs Sydney Swans: AFL live scores, blog
Columnist By Michael DiFabrizio, 1 Sep 2012 Michael DiFabrizio is a Roar Expert
- Tagged:
- AFL, Geelong Cats, live blog, Sydney Swans
Jarrad McVeigh of the Swans contests the footy (Slattery Images)
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First week home finals are on the line in what promises to be a tough contest between Geelong and the Sydney Swans. We’ll have live scores and updates from 1.45pm AEST.
For the Cats, the equation is simple. Lose and they can expect to be overtaken by at least one of Fremantle and North Melbourne, sending them to seventh or eighth.
Winning would mean they preserve their one-game buffer over these clubs and thus, host a final next weekend.
For the Swans, it’s also pretty straightforward. Winning guarantees top two. Losing most likely sends them to third, provided Adelaide can beat the Gold Coast Suns.
History tells us which is the better position to be in of the two options.
The Swans’ recent history against the Cats is encouraging: they beat them at home earlier this year and also at Simonds Stadium at the end of last season.
However, the Cats have improved in the final third of the season, while the Swans have in recent weeks lost blockbusters to Collingwood and Hawthorn, despite having home ground advantage for both clashes.
Last weekend, Geelong accounted for the Western Bulldogs by 34 points, although the big story was Travis Varcoe injuring his ankle in his first game of the season.
In all, it was an affair that didn’t reach great heights. Tom Hawkins had four goals, Corey Enright 29 touches and Jimmy Bartel 21 touches, nine marks, four clearances and nine tackles.
Sydney went down to the Hawks by seven points in a finals-like battle at the SCG, most likely costing the Swans the minor premiership.
Ryan O’Keefe was a standout with 30 touches, 12 tackles and two goals. Josh Kennedy had 35 touches against his former club, with nine clearances. Rhyce Shaw and Shane Mumford also impressed.
Matthew Scarlett, Joel Selwood, Taylor Hunt and Nathan Vardy bolster the Geelong line-up, while Jude Bolton and Tommy Walsh come in for Sydney.
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Michael DiFabrizio is completing his journalism degree. As an AFL writer, he has been an expert columnist at The Roar since 2009, and appeared in The Age and on ABC television and radio. Follow Michael on twitter @mdifabrizio
The Crowd Says (57) | Page 1 of Comments
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4:19pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 4:19pm | Report comment
FULL TIME
Geelong 17.10 112 Sydney Swans 11.12 78
4:26pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 4:26pm | Report comment
The Cats have prevailed in a contest that was incredibly tight for the better side of three quarters but was eventually broken well open.
Led by Tom Hawkins (four goals) and Paul Chapman (three) in the forward line and a midfield hell-bent on applying pressure – James Kelly had 16 tackles, Joel Corey 13 – the dam walls finally broke at the end of the third term, which finished with five consecutive Geelong goals.
Joel Selwood was the side’s other standout, picking up 27 disposals with nine clearances and seven inside 50s, and he even finished the game wearing the obligatory bandage around the head.
Jared McVeigh was the leader for Sydney all afternoon, with 32 disposals at 75% efficiency. He also had two goals, four inside 50s, four rebound 50s and four marks.
Keiren Jack put in another solid performance with 25 touches, six clearances and seven inside 50s.
They didn’t have a Hawkins or Chapman-type threat in their forward line, however, and couldn’t match the Cats for pressure or in the contested possession count.
What this result means for Geelong: They will be playing at the MCG next weekend against either North or Freo. They’ll finish sixth, unless Collingwood lose to Essendon tonight, which would elevate them to fifth. It’s also a nice confidence boost heading into finals, although with no top four finish it’ll mean they’ve got a few more games like this to go if they want to win the flag.
What this result means for Sydney: It means their form going into September is a bit unflattering. Losses to Collingwood, Hawthorn and now Geelong on the eve of finals – with plenty to play for in each game – does not inspire much confidence about their ability to go all the way. They’ll play Adelaide next week, which was always going to be the case. However, because of the loss the game will be at AAMI Stadium. This could prove a tough assignment.
DISPOSALS: Geelong: Selwood 27, Johnson 24, Kelly 23, Corey 22
Sydney: McVeigh 32, Jack 25, Kennedy 24, Armstrong 21
GOALS: Geelong: Hawkins 4, Chapman 3, Podsiadly 3, Johnson, Bartel, Mackie, Lonergan, Vardy, Christensen, Duncan
Sydney: McVeigh 2, Goodes 2, Bolton, McGlynn, O’Keefe, Jack, Walsh, Kennedy, Mumford, Goodes
KEY STATS: Contested possessions: Geelong +20
Tackles: Geelong +25
Disposal efficiency: Sydney +3
DREAM TEAM: Kelly 129, McVeigh 113, Taylor 107, Corey 107, Mumford 105, Duncan 105, Bartel 102, Selwood 101, Hawkins 100
8:31am
Christo the Daddyo said | 8:31am | Report comment
The Swans looked tired to me. They might be paying for their (relatively) good run with injuries throughout the season. This has allowed Longmire to play his best team week in , week out, but meant that most of the guys haven’t had a break. So just as the players would have liked an easy few weeks to taper off before the finals, the draw hit them with Collingwood, Hawthorn and Geelong as three out of their last four games.
Wouldn’t surprise me at all if they don’t win a game in the finals.
4:01pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 4:01pm | Report comment
Motlop on as Vardy subbed out for a rest.
Geelong 98 Sydney Swans 60 | 12min left 4th qtr
4:00pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 4:00pm | Report comment
O’Keefe breaks an eight-goal run.
Geelong 98 Sydney Swans 60 | 12min left 4th qtr
3:58pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:58pm | Report comment
Podsiadly marks and goals. Game over.
Geelong 98 Sydney Swans 54 | 13min left 4th qtr
3:57pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:57pm | Report comment
Joel Selwood with the bandage around the head. Standard uniform for him.
Geelong 92 Sydney Swans 54 | 13min left 4th qtr
3:55pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:55pm | Report comment
Jimmy Bartel gets another for the Cats. Safe to say this one’s done. Not sure Swans will use the energy required for a comeback with finals next week.
Geelong 92 Sydney Swans 54 | 16min left 4th qtr
3:50pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:50pm | Report comment
Andrew Mackie with a long kick for goal, it’s on target.
Geelong 86 Sydney Swans 54 | 18min left 4th qtr
3:46pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:46pm | Report comment
THREE QUARTER TIME
Geelong 12.7 79 Sydney Swans 7.12 54
It was a very tight contest early in the team, with both teams in the midst of big goal droughts. Eventually, Geelong became the first side all afternoon to break free on the scoreboard, kicking five in a row at the end. Paul Chapman and Tom Hawkins have been dangerous up forward, while Sydney have lacked the same kind of forward threat. Jared McVeigh clearly their best performer with 24 disposals and two goals. Joel Selwood is the leading ball winner for Geelong and has six clearances with five inside 50s.
DISPOSALS: Geelong: Selwood 21, Kelly 19, Johnson 18, Taylor 18
Sydney: McVeigh 24, Jack 20, Kennedy 18, Armstrong 16, Goodes 16
GOALS: Geelong: Chapman 3, Hawkins 3, Johnson, Podsiadly, Lonergan, Vardy, Christensen, Duncan
Sydney: McVeigh 2, Jack, Walsh, Kennedy, Mumford, Goodes
KEY STATS: Contested possessions: Geelong +9
Tackles: Geelong +26
Disposal efficiency: Sydney +3
DREAM TEAM: Kelly 107, Taylor 96, McVeigh 87, Mumford 84, Duncan 82, Selwood 78, Kennedy 77
3:40pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:40pm | Report comment
Hawkins gets the Cats’ fifth in a row. That enhances his Coleman Medal chances, third goal for today.
Geelong 79 Sydney Swans 54 | 2min left 3rd qtr
3:37pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:37pm | Report comment
Chapman flies in to take a mark at the corner of the goal square. Snaps it fora 19-point Geelong lead.
Geelong 73 Sydney Swans 54 | 2min left 3rd qtr
3:36pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:36pm | Report comment
Taylor Hunt sets up Hawkins 45m out, a distance he likes. Very high roost, taken over the line by the pack.
Geelong 66 Sydney Swans 54 | 3min left 3rd qtr
3:35pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:35pm | Report comment
Swans defenders give away the free to Christensen. 20m out, he goals. Unbelievably, 12 points is the biggest lead of the match!
Geelong 66 Sydney Swans 54 | 4min left 3rd qtr
3:32pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:32pm | Report comment
Mitch Duncan goals in the goal square for the Cats. Whistle was blown just prior as he wrestled with his opponent, but it was ruled a Cats free.
Geelong 60 Sydney Swans 54 | 6min left 3rd qtr
3:31pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:31pm | Report comment
Scores level once again as Kennedy has a stab at goal.
Geelong 54 Sydney Swans 54 | 6min left 3rd qtr
3:29pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:29pm | Report comment
Chapman point means the lead has changed for the seventh time. Meanwhile, Luke Parker comes on for Tommy Walsh.
Geelong 54 Sydney Swans 53 | 8min left 3rd qtr
3:27pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:27pm | Report comment
Adelaide lead Gold Coast 67-36 at half time. As it stands, the Swans will be headed to Adelaide next week. Need to win to get the home final.
Geelong 53 Sydney Swans 53 | 9min left 3rd qtr
3:25pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:25pm | Report comment
Hawkins marks as the Cats search for a settler. 40m out, he goes back and is on target.
Geelong 53 Sydney Swans 53 | 10min left 3rd qtr
3:23pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:23pm | Report comment
Jack goes bang from the impossible angle! Beautifully timed kick! Sydney hit the lead.
Geelong 47 Sydney Swans 53 | 11min left 3rd qtr
3:22pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:22pm | Report comment
Scores level as Bolton’s shot goes wide.
Geelong 47 Sydney Swans 47 | 12min left 3rd qtr
3:20pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:20pm | Report comment
Tommy Walsh with the set shot. Deadlock broken and it’s now a one-point game!
Geelong 47 Sydney Swans 46 | 13min left 3rd qtr
3:19pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:19pm | Report comment
Stalemate. 30 minutes since the last Swans goal. 18 since the last Cats goal.
Geelong 47 Sydney Swans 40 | 14min left 3rd qtr
2:57pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:57pm | Report comment
HALF TIME
Geelong 7.5 47 Sydney Swans 5.8 38
Very good first half, going to come down to who wants that first week home final more. Only one goal from the Swans that quarter, but they worked their way back into it late. Geelong are putting in an impressive tackling performance and applying plenty of pressure. Rhyce Shaw and Jared McVeigh probably lead best on ground honours. Both above 80% efficiency and have seen plenty of touches. Mitch Duncan has had six inside 50s and 12 touches.
DISPOSALS: Geelong: Bartel 14, Johnson 13, Duncan 12, Selwood 12
Sydney: McVeigh 15, Shaw 13, Jack 12, Kennedy 12
GOALS: Geelong: Chapman 2, Johnson, Podsiadly, Lonergan, Hawkins, Vardy
Sydney: McVeigh 2, Kennedy, Mumford, Goodes
KEY STATS: Contested possessions: Sydney +1
Tackles: Geelong +23
Disposal efficiency: Sydney +3
DREAM TEAM: Kelly 67, McVeigh 62, Kennedy 61, Taylor 60, Bartel 57, Mumford 57
2:47pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:47pm | Report comment
Swans starting to press these past few minutes. Couple of behinds but look threatening.
Geelong 46 Sydney Swans 38 | 2min left 2nd qtr
2:40pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:40pm | Report comment
Nathan Vardy with a strong one-on-one mark on Mattner. Goes back from just inside 50, brilliant kick. Cats fans happy with his return so far.
Geelong 46 Sydney Swans 36 | 8min left 2nd qtr
2:38pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:38pm | Report comment
Enright looks like he’s ready to return to the field.
Geelong 40 Sydney Swans 36 | 9min left 2nd qtr
2:36pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:36pm | Report comment
Tom Lonergan finds himself alone at the top of the goal square. Chappy sets him up, goal. Lead change No. 5.
Geelong 40 Sydney Swans 36 | 11min left 2nd qtr
2:32pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:32pm | Report comment
Long ball marked by Hawkins. It’s a goal.
Geelong 34 Sydney Swans 36 | 13min left 2nd qtr
2:30pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:30pm | Report comment
Steve Johnson marks and plays on, his wobbly high ball is wide.
Geelong 28 Sydney Swans 36 | 15min left 2nd qtr
2:29pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:29pm | Report comment
Corey Enright goes down the race.
Geelong 27 Sydney Swans 36 | 15min left 2nd qtr
2:28pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:28pm | Report comment
Goodes nearly backed up straight away, with a desperation Josh Hunt fist on the line preventing a goal.
Geelong 27 Sydney Swans 36 | 16min left 2nd qtr
2:28pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:28pm | Report comment
McVeigh with a well-timed kick and a nice bounce gets the first of the quarter. Extends the Swans’ lead.
Geelong 27 Sydney Swans 35 | 16min left 2nd qtr
2:22pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:22pm | Report comment
QUARTER TIME
Geelong 4.3 27 Sydney Swans 4.5 29
Nice, close opening term. With four lead changes, this is shaping up to be a great game. Swans have contained Tom Hawkins more or less, but the trouble-makers at both ends have been Paul Chapman and Adam Goodes. Ex-Crow Tony Armstrong, who came into the side this week, has been impressive for the Swans: 8 disposals at 100% efficiency. The big incident was Paul Chapman’s clash with Ben McGlynn, which Chappy was reported for.
DISPOSALS: Geelong: Johnson 9, Kelly 7
Sydney: Armstrong 8, Jack 8, Shaw 7
GOALS: Geelong: Chapman 2, Johnson, Podsiadly
Sydney: Kennedy, Mumford, Goodes, McVeigh
KEY STATS: Contested possessions: Geelong +3
Tackles: Geelong +16
Disposal efficiency: Sydney +8
DREAM TEAM: S Johnson 44, Mumford 34, Duncan 31, Chapman 30, Kennedy 29, Kelly 27
2:16pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:16pm | Report comment
Holding the ball free to Duncan sets up Nathan Vardy on an angle. Doesn’t squeeze it home.
Geelong 27 Sydney Swans 29 | 15sec left 1st qtr
2:13pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:13pm | Report comment
Kennedy around the body from 40m out puts the Swans back in front. Natives are restless, getting a bit upset with the umpiring. Swans clearly more composed in the past few minutes.
Geelong 26 Sydney Swans 29 | 3min left 1st qtr
2:11pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:11pm | Report comment
Bird along the ground ends up a behind. Bit of feeling entering the game now.
Geelong 26 Sydney Swans 23 | 4min left 1st qtr
2:10pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:10pm | Report comment
Paul Chapman reported for striking. Got his man high after the ball was released.
Geelong 26 Sydney Swans 22 | 5min left 1st qtr
2:08pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:08pm | Report comment
Tom Hawkins marks 20m out, handballs over the top to Steve Johsnson who runs in for a goal. Fast ball movement from the Cats.
Geelong 26 Sydney Swans 22 | 6min left 1st qtr
2:06pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:06pm | Report comment
Corey takes McGlynn high just outside 50. Goes short to Goodes. His set shot sways to the right.
Geelong 20 Sydney Swans 22 | 7min left 1st qtr
2:04pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:04pm | Report comment
Tommy Walsh, an inclusion this week, goes back from just inside 50 but the kick is well wide.
Geelong 20 Sydney Swans 21 | 8min left 1st qtr
2:04pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:04pm | Report comment
Geelong out-tackling Sydney 20 to 12. Good pressure.
Geelong 20 Sydney Swans 20 | 9min left 1st qtr
2:03pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:03pm | Report comment
James Podsiadly steals a Mike Pyke handpass and gets the goal on the run. Nice back-and-forth contest right now.
Geelong 20 Sydney Swans 20 | 9min left 1st qtr
2:01pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:01pm | Report comment
Trent West pulled up for push in the back in the ruck contest. Shane Mumford goes back and goals. West slipped over as it happened but contact was there.
Geelong 14 Sydney Swans 20 | 10min left 1st qtr
2:00pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 2:00pm | Report comment
Rhyce Shaw and Keiren Jack hot early for the Swans. Nine touches between them, Shaw going at 100% efficiency.
Geelong 14 Sydney Swans 14 | 11min left 1st qtr
1:58pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 1:58pm | Report comment
Disposal efficiency not great from either team, but Swans well ahead, 59% to 43%.
Geelong 14 Sydney Swans 14 | 12min left 1st qtr
1:57pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 1:57pm | Report comment
Once again the Cats go to Chapman inside 50, who marks 40m out little angle. This one goes over the umpire’s hat.
Geelong 14 Sydney Swans 14 | 13min left 1st qtr
1:55pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 1:55pm | Report comment
It’s a beautiful day in Geelong. Top conditions.
Geelong 8 Sydney Swans 13 | 14min left 1st qtr
1:54pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 1:54pm | Report comment
McVeigh goes for his second goal on the outside of the boot. It’s wide.
Geelong 8 Sydney Swans 13 | 15min left 1st qtr
1:53pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 1:53pm | Report comment
Chapman getting the early touches. Plays on from 45m but sends it wide.
Geelong 8 Sydney Swans 12 | 16min left 1st qtr
1:52pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 1:52pm | Report comment
Quick response by the Swans. Cats shaky in defence, ball turned over, ends up in Goodes’ hands. He goals from 40m out.
Geelong 7 Sydney Swans 12 | 16min left 1st qtr
1:51pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 1:51pm | Report comment
Podsiadly can’t mark at the top of the goal square, but Chapman quickly pounces to get the crumb. Puts the Cats up.
Geelong 7 Sydney Swans 6 | 17min left 1st qtr
1:50pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 1:50pm | Report comment
Paul Chapman sets up Jimmy Bartel 40m out on a tough angle. Tough kick, too much on it.
Geelong 1 Sydney Swans 6 | 17min left 1st qtr
1:48pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 1:48pm | Report comment
Jetta out of a free kick sends it inside 50. His wobbly ball marked by Jared McVeigh close to goal, his set shot on target
Geelong 0 Sydney Swans 6 | 18min left 1st qtr
1:46pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 1:46pm | Report comment
And we’re underway.
1:45pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 1:45pm | Report comment
Adam Goodes wins the toss and the Swans will be kicking to the right of your computer screens today.
1:42pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 1:42pm | Report comment
Late change for the Swans: Nick Smith OUT, Tony Armstrong IN.
The subs: Steven Motlop for Geelong and Luke Parker for Sydney.